KPSC interviews: Cabinet gives nod for UPSC model

Bengaluru: In a significant move, the state cabinet decided to adopt the UPSC model for selection of candidates for various posts by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), with two of the four members on the interview panel being experts not connected with the Commission.

A decision to limit the number of panelists to four and select candidates on the basis of average marks of these four members was taken at a meeting of the cabinet here on Wednesday. The decision was based on recommendations made by the Hota committee which was constituted to recommend reforms for KPSC and to end corruption in the selection process.

Law minister T B Jayachandra told the media after a meeting of the cabinet that experts on the interview panel must know Kannada. The cabinet, however, rejected a recommendation with regard to reservation for SC/ST and women on the selection panel, he added.

With regard to the implementation of Shivasamudram project, the cabinet decided to refer the issue to the legal department for clarification. Since the project came under Cauvery basin, opinions were aired that Cauvery monitoring committee and TN had to be informed. Though the projects do not require such clearance, it was decided to seek the Advocate General’s view.

Mr Jayachandra said the Cabinet also gave consent for purchase of power from co-generation plants of 28 sugar factories across the state. KERC had fixed the price for factories that signed MoU with KPCL.

While the factories that singed MoU before 2010 would be paid Rs 4.4 a unit of electricity, those that signed after 2010 would get Rs 5 a unit. In all, these factories would supply 500 MW power to KPCL, Mr Jayachandra added.

Other decisions of the cabinet include:
* Introduction of legislation for protection of good samaritans who rush to the rescue of accident victims and admit them to hospitals. The government has decided to reimburse the expenses of such samaritans, and shield them from repeated police harassment.
* Approval of a new transfer policy with regard to officials below the rank of RFO in the forest department. These processes will involve counselling and transparent steps.
 * Approval of solid waste management of Hubballi-Dharawad in six packages for a period of five years.
* Withdrawal of prosecution in over 91 cases registered across the state.
* Granting four acres of land at Mattigatte, Kundagol taluk to widow of soldier Hanumanthappa Ramappa Koppada.
* Fixing Rs 12,000 a month rent for land leased for JD(S) office near Malleswaram for 33 years.